Thousands of Venezuelan opposition sympathizers rallied on Saturday in support of leaders jailed last year in connection with months of violent protests against socialist President Nicolas Maduro. Opposition politician Leopoldo Lopez, arrested for leading the protests, called for the rally in a prison-filmed video in which he also announced a hunger stike and issued a set of demands including the release of other anti-government activists. “The regime wants to divide us, I vow unity,” said Lilian Tintori, Lopez’s wife told the crowd of demonstrators, many of whom were clad in white to symbolize non-violent protest. “We will remain together, but…

(Reuters)…Russia has imposed an entry ban on 89 European politicians and military leaders, according to a list seen by Reuters, a move that has angered Europe and worsened its standoff with the West over Moscow’s role in the Ukraine conflict. More than 6,200 people have been killed in fighting between Ukrainian government forces and pro-Russian separatists. Russia dismisses accusations from Ukraine, NATO and Western powers that it is supporting the separatists with arms and its own troops. The list, which says it was compiled by the Russian foreign ministry and handed to a European Union delegation in Moscow this week, includes outspoken critics of Russia as well as security…

ZURICH (AP) — The latest on FIFA developments: ___ 7:30 p.m. (1730 GMT; 1:30 p.m. EDT) Sepp Blatter has won a 5th term as FIFA president after his lone challenger forced the balloting to go a second round and then graciously pulled out. Speaking to FIFA delegates in Zurich on Friday, the 79-year-old Blatter promised “we will bring back FIFA. We will do it!” There were weak claps and even some boos in Zurich’s Hallenstadion when Blatter was announced as winner. FIFA has been rocked by serious corruption allegations this week by U.S. and Swiss judicial officials, which they said…

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. has taken Cuba off its list of state sponsors of terrorism. Secretary of State John Kerry has signed an order removing Cuba from the U.S. terrorism blacklist as part of the process of normalizing relations between the Cold War foes. Kerry acted 45 days after the Obama administration informed Congress of its intent to do so. Lawmakers had that much time to weigh in and try to block the move, but did not do so. The step comes as officials from the countries continue to hash out details of restoring full diplomatic relations, including opening…

ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Nigerians celebrated their newly reinforced democracy Friday, dancing, singing praises and releasing white doves as Muhammadu Buhari, the first candidate to beat a sitting president at the polls, became their president. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, accompanied by the commander of U.S. Africa Command, Gen. David M. Rodriguez, was the first foreign official to meet with Nigeria’s new leader after the inauguration. A senior State Department official said Washington is ready to increase military aid and could quickly send more advisers. To roars of approval at the ceremony, President Buhari pledged to take personal charge…

WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Andrzej Duda, the conservative winner of Poland’s presidential election, was officially named president-elect in a solemn state ceremony Friday. Prime Minister Ewa Kopacz, some state officials, and Duda’s parents, wife and daughter attended the ceremony to see the 43-year-old lawyer receive the official document confirming that he won the election. His five-year term starts Aug. 6. The national anthem played and then the head of the State Electoral Commission handed Duda the documents. He and his wife, Agata, later met with a group of supporters waiting outside the Baroque Wilanow Palace with white-and-red flags to chant…

(BBC)…Fifa president Sepp Blatter has called for unity in a speech to delegates as they prepare to vote for the next head of football’s world governing body. The vote has been overshadowed by corruption allegations. Seven senior officials were arrested at a hotel in Switzerland on Wednesday. Mr Blatter is expected to beat Prince Ali of Jordan and win a fifth term. Mr Blatter admitted the arrests had “unleashed a storm” but said he could not “supervise everyone in football”. He told the delegates in Zurich: “I am appealing to unity and team spirit so we can move forward together….